As we age, it becomes more and more important to create a well-balanced diet for ourselves that provides enough essential nutrients as well as energy for exercise and other daily activities. In order to boost your metabolism, experts tell us that healthy eating, ample hydration and a consistent sleep schedule are key, and many people find further support and power from taking daily supplements.
With that said, we reached out to supplement experts to learn more about 4 common and effective supplements and why many benefit from taking them over 35. Read on for tips and suggestions from Dr. Virginia Blackwell, MD, health expert at Eve Magazine, Dr. Pouya Shafipour, MD, board-certified physician with Paloma Health, and Jay Cowin, NNCP, RNT, RNC, CHN, CSNA, registered nutritionist and Director of Formulations at ASYSTEM.
Vitamin B12
Taking B12 supplements over 35 is vital since it is an immensely beneficial vitamin that the body cannot naturally produce on its own, Blackwell explains. “It is one of the vital B vitamins that may help support a healthy nervous system,” she says. B12, Blackwell stresses, is “often linked with weight loss simply because of its ability to boost the metabolism process which may tend to be more helpful in burning calories, resulting in reduced weight.” Additionally, “B12 may help suppress and ensure that your body is getting proper nutrients,” Blackwell adds, and this may result in weight loss (which is great, if that is also a goal of yours!)
Turmeric
Giving you vital energy at any age, turmeric supplements are “packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help build the immune system to fight against viral diseases,” Cowin says. Taking these can “also improve memory, reduce joint pain, and lower the risk of heart disease,” he notes. Additionally, according to new research, as Cowin cites, “curcumin's antioxidant properties may help improve liver health by functioning as a detox agent in the body.” Sounds good to us!
Zinc
Zinc is an “essential micronutrient that helps your immune system and metabolism function properly,” Shafipour explains. This type of supplement “stimulates hundreds of enzymes involved in cellular processes,” he adds. Shafipour cites studies that suggest the benefits of supplementing with zinc for weight loss, though he says that “the majority of your weight loss results will come from diet and exercise.” Ultimately, like B12, this supplement can aid your weight loss journey or help you maintain the current state you are in at any age.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are believed to provide health benefits when consumed, Cowin says. “The most common probiotics are bacteria, and they can be found in fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi, but are also offered in forms of dietary supplements and medication,” he adds. There is a growing body of evidence, he cites, that suggests probiotics can improve gut health. “Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that reside in the gut and help to keep the gut healthy,” Cowin concludes, noting that they “can help to fight against bad bacteria, promote nutrient absorption, and support the immune system” at 35 and up!
